Sen. William Larkin announces he'll retire at end of 2018

“To be clear, my decision has nothing to do with some mythical blue wave that state Democrats have been wishing for,” Larkin said. (Mike Groll/AP)

ALBANY — Veteran state Sen. William Larkin announced he is retiring at the end of the year, after 40 years of serving in the state Legislature.

Larkin, 90, a World War II and Korean War vet who has represented the mid-Hudson Valley, becomes the fifth Senate Republican who is getting ready to retire, leaving Democrats optimistic they can claim control of the chamber in the November elections.

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"To be clear, my decision has nothing to do with some mythical blue wave that state Democrats have been wishing for," Larkin said. "No, after serving this great country in WWII and Korea, and doing battle with a long line of Democratic challengers here at home, my final battle is with Father Time."

During his time in the Senate, Larkin, helped create the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor and the Purple Heart Forever Stamp.

"After decades helping others, Colonel Larkin has earned the right to leave this place on his own terms and by his own choosing," said Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-Suffolk County).